Everton have confirmed that Shea Pita has signed his first professional deal.
Just over a week on from turning 17, the exciting winger has now secured another two years on Merseyside.
Pita has emerged as one of the most promising talents at Finch Farm following a breakthrough campaign under both Keith Southern and Paul Tait.
Two games to go… where do you see Everton actually finishing in the table? 😫
Europe now feels incredibly unlikely… 👋
The news marks a real positive step for Everton, who are keen to start providing more academy graduates to the first team.
Everton make statement by retaining Shea Pita
Pita has enjoyed a really promising season with Everton, where he has been exposed to both U18 and U21 football.
Everton have a number of promising talents on their books at Finch Farm, and Pita is certainly one of them.
The Bournemouth manager has announced he’s leaving… 🤔
“It has been a dream come true. It is a great feeling to have signed my first professional deal. It has been a really good season for me so far,” he told the Everton website.
“It is amazing to play at both Hill Dickinson Stadium and Goodison Park. I know all the history that Goodison Park possesses so to score there was amazing.”
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
| U18 Premier League | 17 | 2 | 3 | 1,237 |
| FA Youth Cup | 4 | 2 | 0 | 390 |
| Premier League 2 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 306 |
| Premier League International Cup | 4 | 1 | 1 | 80 |
Despite only just turning 17 at the start of the month, Pita has played eight times in the Premier League 2 under Tait – as well as three appearances in the play-offs.
Tait has been very impressed with Pita this season and has shown his faith in the Welshman through regular starts at U21 level.
Whilst Braiden Graham has certainly stolen the headlines from the U21 side this season, Pita has quietly emerged as a player to keep a close eye on over the next two years.
Dean Rastrick wasting no time in securing Everton prospect
Since being appointed as academy director, Dean Rastrick has been able to retain one of the club’s hottest prospects.
David Moyes wants more Everton academy graduates to make it at Finch Farm and actually have an impact on his first team.
Although it is very early days, Pita is showing the potential to be a player who could well have a chance given the attitude he has already shown at such an early age.
The tricky winger will certainly catch the eye in the years to come, but Everton will feel the hard work starts now for the 17-year-old.
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